FAQ

Cost

  • The cost of hiring an architect will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project.

    For most of our residential projects we charge in the vicinity of 10-15% of the total construction cost. As a general rule of thumb, the larger your budget, the lower our percentage fee.

    With only some basic information about your project, we can provide a rough cost estimate of our fees over the phone.

  • Architects typically charge by a percentage of a project's total construction cost, or provide lump-sum fees in a stage by stage format.

    After an initial deposit has been paid, we then routinely charge our clients at the end of each calendar month. This monthly invoice covers the work completed during the previous 30 day period, a portion (or progress payment) of the overall fee.

  • While some architects only engage with high-value projects, we work with a wide range of clients and budgets.

    Most of our commissions fall within the $400,000.00 to $2.0 Million price range.

  • Building costs can vary greatly depending on the materials used, complexity of the design and location. Based on some our recent projects, the approximate cost per square meter is in the vicinity of $3,500 to $5,500.

    Our work is not intended to compete financially against cheaper volume builders. We aim provide clients with enduring value through good design.

  • This largely depends on the current condition of the existing structure and the extent of the renovations required. In some cases a new build may be more effective, while in others, renovations or extensions can prove to be a smarter choice.

    Typically, the cost per square meter for building a new home is less than that for a renovation. This is because upgrading an existing home involves additional labour to integrate the new areas within an older structure.

    It's also worth noting that renovating or 'up-cycling' older buildings can often minimize your environmental impact. By reducing the embodied carbon required for new construction, we can limit the negative effects on global warming.

Time

  • We've found that most of our full-services projects take 6-9 months from the initial client meeting until the start of construction.

    Whilst the act of drawing itself can be quite quick, it is the decision making and parallel processes relative to those drawings that consumes most of an architect’s time. Determining a client's requirements, coordinating with consultants, providing amendments, obtaining cost estimates and securing approvals all contribute to the overall duration of a project. Engaging an architect early in the project can help streamline the process and avoid potential delays.

  • We've found that most of our residential projects take 9-12 months to construct.

    Commercial construction times vary greatly depending upon size, scope, complexity, use and other market forces

Architects

  • An architect is a highly trained registered professional who designs buildings and other elements of the built environment. Their work involves planning, designing, consulting with clients, coordinating with consultants and builders, ensuring compliance with building codes and often remaining involved in construction.

    Under the Architects Act 2004, it is an offence for an unlicensed person or corporation to identify themselves as an "Architect" or to claim to practice architecture in Western Australia. You can read more about this here.

  • Architects can provide you with a 100% custom designed solution to cater for your unique aspirations & concerns. Unlike volume building, an architect designed home is not template driven, but rather a bespoke prototype built to suit your personal needs.

    The benefit of this ‘from the ground up’ approach, is that we can optimize your design for several considerations, be they thermal, economic, social, or personal.

    It's also been documented that homes and renovations with architectural input typically command higher market value. A 2020 study by the University of Melbourne and RASP discovered that on average for every dollar spent on Architectural fees there were 11.4 dollars gained in Capital Appreciation. Read more about this here.

Clients

  • Yes we do work with owner builders, although this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

    In Western Australia owner builders take on many of the responsibilities of a registered builder and we encourage clients to research their obligations fully prior to engaging an architect.

    You can read more about owner building in WA here .

  • You may or may not be required to move out during renovations, alterations, and additions. This will ultimately depend on the scope and location of your work. Certain tasks, such as roof repairs or asbestos removal will require you to vacate for safety.

    In some of our past projects, we have divided a project into stages and directed builders to work sequentially around the occupied areas of your property. This approach is very specific and unique to each project, so don't hesitate to contact us for further information.

Builders

  • Yes - We collaborate with a variety of smaller builders in the Perth metropolitan area and have an extensive network to draw upon for projects located outside of this region.

    We find the key to selecting the right builder is to find someone with whom you can communicate easily and who has a reputation for successfully delivering projects.

  • No - we do not manage construction or have control over the builders day to day activities.

    We provide design management services (also known as contract administration services) during the construction phase. Our role is to impartially administer the building contract between you and the builder, ensuring honesty and alignment with what's been specified. The primary objective of this service is to maintain design quality, minimize deviations from the drawings, and communicate regarding key decisions on your behalf. We recommend this service to prevent the project's intent and finesse from being lost during construction.